Delph Wood

Ancient oak and beech trees create a proper canopy overhead as you wander the winding paths through this lovely Lancashire woodland. Delph Wood sits quietly in the countryside near Preston, offering that rare thing - a genuinely peaceful forest walk without crowds or car parks full of coaches.

Dog walkers will love it here, and families with older children who don't mind a bit of mud will find plenty to explore. The paths can get quite boggy after rain, so decent walking boots are essential. You'll spot plenty of wildlife if you're quiet - squirrels are abundant, and I've seen deer on early morning visits.

There's no visitor centre or marked trails, which some might find frustrating but I reckon adds to the authenticity. Allow a good hour for a proper wander, though you could easily spend longer if you're the sort who likes to sit on fallen logs and listen to the bird song.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Orchard Glamping or Claylands Caravan Park puts you within easy reach for morning walks before the day trippers arrive. It's the sort of place that rewards those who make the effort - not spectacular, but genuinely restorative if you need to escape the noise of modern life for a while.